Sunday, October 19, 2008

Hyperion plans to publish two nonfiction books by mega-bestselling author, Dean Koontz. The first book, A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog, is scheduled for Summer 2009 publication. In this memoir, Koontz will tell the story of their beloved golden retriever, Trixie, and the profound effect that she had on the lives of both he and his wife Gerda. It is the story of unexpectedly falling in love with a puppy in one's middle age and gaining a family member along the way. With honesty and emotion, it will detail their rich journey together up to her passing and the deep sadness they experienced. The book is a departure for Koontz, whose fiction has been published in thirty-eight languages.

Dean and his wife Gerda adopted Trixie after an injury released her from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a non-profit organization that trains dogs to assist people with disabilities. It was during research for one of his novels that Dean first contacted CCI, and now the Koontz family is a major supporter, with the organization's Southwest campus in Oceanside, CA. named after them.

Hyperion President and Publisher Ellen Archer announced the deal saying, "Dean Koontz is such a skilled storyteller, I'm thrilled that he's chosen Hyperion to be his publisher for his first non-fiction project. I'm sure that this book will attract his many fans, and scores of new readers, too.

Of the deal Koontz says: "Writing about our marvelous and funny Trixie, about how she changed our lives, about love and loss, and about the mystery and wonder of the human-dog bond will give me enormous pleasure, as will working with the Hyperion team, for whose unexcelled creativity and expertise in publishing nonfiction I have the highest admiration."

Hyperion executive editor Brenda Copeland negotiated the deal and will edit the book. Hyperion retains World English, first serial, and audio rights. The subject of book two is to be determined.